Vaser® Liposuction

Ultrasonic Liposuction

Liposuction is one of the most popular plastic surgeries in America, with roughly 500,000 surgeries performed each year. For patients with healthy lifestyles who find that certain parts of their body don’t respond to proper diet and exercise, plastic surgeons can remove stubborn fatty deposits with a tube and suction device. It can target many parts of the body, including:

face, neck and chin

upper arms

chest and breasts

abdomen

buttocks

hips and thighs

The VASER (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) system ensures added comfort and precision with an advanced ultrasonic device that uses ultrasound to emulsify fatty tissue without harming the surrounding tissue.

In general, candidates for liposuction should be younger adult non-smokers, with stable body weight and skin that retains its elasticity. Liposuction is not a weight-loss method and is rarely suitable for obese patients.

Techniques Used in VASER Liposuction

Before the procedure, the patient is given local or general anesthetic, depending on the extent of the fatty deposits. Liposuction begins with a small incision near the specified area. After injecting tumescent fluid to help minimize bruising, Dr. Hunsicker will then insert a tiny VASER device that uses gentle ultrasonic energy to aid the fat removal process.

A small tube is inserted through the incision and the fat is removed from the patient’s body. Sometimes the incision is then sutured. VASER liposuction usually takes between 1–2 hours in an outpatient setting.

FAQ

VASER liposuction reduces patient discomfort by targeting the fatty tissues and allowing for their gentle removal. The device, which was approved by the FDA in 2005, also offers improved skin retraction and faster recovery times.

Initial swelling and discomfort, alleviated with prescribed pain medication, will subside after a few days. Patients often experience fluid drainage from the incision, and Dr. Hunsicker may insert a small drainage tube beneath the skin.

She may also prescribe antibiotics in order to limit the risk of post-operative infection. You will wear a surgical compression garment for 2–6 weeks, and will need to refrain from heavy lifting and exercise for 3–6 weeks. Over time, the incision lines will fade to become faint scars.

Liposelection risks can vary from patient to patient, and all surgery carries with it a risk of complications. Dr. Hunsicker can review the most common risks to breast lift surgery at your consultation, based on your specific clinical factors.